WILLIE BRISCOE

FOUNDER

Willie Briscoe grew up in Portland, Oregon with his mother, brother and two older sisters. His love for basketball grew along with his size.  At age 18, Willie was 6”6’ and headed off to play college basketball at a local Junior college, because his grades were too low to play Division 1. He would play 2 years of junior college basketball and lead his team to a championship in 1989.

He then took a ten year hiatus from school and basketball. During these ten years he worked with youth and spent a majority of his time doing commercials and print work for companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Powerade. He did this work until he became a Christian, and return to basketball and school at Point Loma Nazarene University in 1999. After 2 more years of playing, and 1 year as an assistant basketball coach Willie graduated with a bachelor degree. Willie started a small personal training business in North County San Diego, and for three years provided a steady income for his growing family.  It was during this time when Willie was about to open his own gym establishment that he was challenged by his pastor to prayerfully consider what his next move should be and if he was using all of his gifts in the best capacity. After several weeks of prayer and a short term mission trip to Malawi, Hope Leadership Academy (HLA) was launched in 2010.

Willie’s greatest passion is spending time with his beautiful wife Kaci, and their three beautiful children.